As a pet parent, the touch of a pooch’s slobbery snout is pretty much the norm. So, when a pup's nose isn’t wet, it may raise some red flags:

Should my dog's nose be wet or dry?

Is it normal if my dog's nose is dry and cracked?

Is my pup dehydrated?

Should I see a vet?

The fact is, your dog's nose can go from wet and cold to warm and dry for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at why your dog may have a dry nose and when you should contact VEG ER for Pets emergency hospital to speak to the pros.

There are things you can do to help your dog's nose stay wet. Read on for tips to help your pet and when you should bring your dog to the ER for dry nose.

Why dogs have wet noses

Before we discuss dry noses, let's understand why a dog's nose is wet in the first place.

A dog’s nose is naturally moist, and they lick their noses frequently to keep them clean and functioning well. Because of all this natural moisture, a dog’s nose often feels cool and damp - so a wet nose is usually a sign that everything is working just as it should.

That moisture on your pup’s nose actually serves important purposes.

1. The thin layer of mucus on the nose helps trap scent particles, which allows dogs to smell with incredible accuracy - far better than humans can!

2. A wet nose helps with temperature regulation - when moisture on the nose evaporates, it provides a small cooling effect, which is especially helpful after playtime or on warm days.

Why your dog's nose is dry

Should a dog's nose be wet or dry? It’s a common belief that a dry nose signifies that your dog is sick —but this isn't necessarily true. However, if a dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms, it indicates a need for closer attention.

You may notice your dog sporting a dry nose after changes in the environment or daily routine. Exposure to sun, wind, a heat source like a fireplace, or a vent blasting cool air can affect the moisture levels of your dog’s nose.

Likewise, dehydration can also cause your thirsty pup’s sniffer to become dry.

Being around heat sources can cause dry nose in dogs. Read on for dry nose causes, prevention tips, and when to visit the emergency vet.

How to prevent your dog's dry nose

Simple day-to-day care is all that’s needed to help manage and even prevent your dog’s dry nose. Here are some things you can do if your dog’s nose is dry:

Ensure your dog has enough water

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Always make sure your pup has access to a bowl of clean, fresh water. Proper hydration is key to keeping a dog’s nose wet and healthy.

A humidifier can help if your dog's nose is dry

If your home tends to run a bit dry, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Your home's temperature can cause dry nose in dogs

Do you like your home extra cool or warm and toasty? The use of your heating and cooling systems may contribute to dry air, which could impact that sweet little snooping snout.

Your dog's nose is dry—should you worry?

While an occasional dry nose in dogs can be as normal as them barking at the mailman, sometimes it may warrant a visit to your nearest VEG emergency animal clinic. If your pet’s dry nose persists and is accompanied by the following symptoms, seek ER veterinary care at VEG, as it can be a sign of an underlying health issue:

When to visit the ER vet for your dog's dry nose

Dog is displaying behavioral changes

Your dog may seem “off,” with actions like hiding, acting clingy, or appearing uncomfortable. These shifts can signify pain, fever, or illness.

Change in dog's nasal discharge

Is the stuff coming out of your pup’s nose thick, cloudy, yellow, green, or bloody? It could be a sign of infection, inflammation, allergies, or even a foreign object in the nose.

Dog's nose is cracking

A chapped or split nose may cause your dog to pull away if you try to touch it. A dry and cracked nose can point to dehydration, sunburn, or chronic irritation.

Dog is lethargic

Your dog might sleep more, lose interest in walks, or move with less energy. Lethargy in dogs often indicates a systemic illness or infection - that your pup is working hard to fight something off.

Dog has a dry nose and a lack of appetite? It's time for an emergency vet. VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital is open 24/7 to care for your dog's dry nose.

Dog has loss of appetite

You may notice your dog uninterested in food or eating much less than usual. A drop in appetite can suggest nausea, pain, GI upset, or other internal illness.

Sores in or around dog's nose 

You might see red bumps, scabs, or irritated patches your dog tries to paw at. These can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, or skin disease that need veterinary attention.

Contact VEG ER for Pets as your go-to emergency dog hospital

Now that we’ve nosed around some of the facts around your dog’s dry snout, you know when to seek professional emergency care when your pup needs it. A VEG emergency vet will help you get to the bottom of your dog’s dry nose by looking for signs of infections, illnesses, or allergies and suggest a treatment for that adorable snout you’ve come to love so much!

Call us or head over to VEG ER for pets anytime your dog is in need of emergency or urgent care. Our VEGgies are here 24/7, even on holidays. You can stay with your dog throughout treatment and maybe even get some of your dog’s snout snuggles too!